Nothing kicks off the holiday season like a Christmas parade, and planning is in full swing for both Patrick County events.
The Fifth Annual Meadows of Dan Christmas Parade is November 26 at 3 p.m., and the Patrick County Christmas Parade in Stuart is December 3 at 2 p.m. (rain date December 10).
Anyone interested in being part of the Meadows of Dan parade can enter for free by calling Trinity Goad at (540) 230-7943. This year’s grand marshals are Ann Cockram and her husband Ron.
Santa will be on-hand in Meadows of Dan, taking note of Christmas wishes from Patrick’s youngest residents. After the parade, spectators can enjoy hot dogs, s’mores, cookies, cider and hot chocolate.
This year’s Patrick County Christmas Parade in Stuart is themed Santa’s Workshop, and the parade will honor the memory of Henry Ayers. Entry forms are available in The Enterprise and at WHEO radio station; the fee is $20 until Nov. 28. After that it’s $25. Horses and ATVs are $5.
The Patrick County parade features pageant winners, fire and rescue vehicles, antique cars, and local dignitaries, but organizer Galen Gilbert said that Santa remains the most popular attraction. Plus, this is one of the few parades where candy is still thrown to the crowd, he added.
The parade usually has about 110 entries, Gilbert said. The entry fees go to defray parade costs plus help pay utilities at Jesus House Ministries’ clothes closet. The Patrick County Jaycees sponsors the parade, with volunteer help from One Family Productions, which puts on the Front Porch Fest.
For parade updates and information, visit the Patrick County Christmas Parade on Facebook.
– Angela H. Hill
